Child Safeguarding Policy
Introduction
At Dance with Aaron and Niamh Limited, we are committed to creating a safe and
nurturing environment for all our students. This safeguarding policy outlines our
approach to ensuring that the welfare of children is paramount and includes the
identification of risks, preventative measures, and procedures for reporting concerns.
Our procedures have been developed in line with requirements under the Children First
Act 2015, Children First: National Guidance for the Protection and Welfare of Children
2017, and Tusla's Child Safeguarding: A Guide for Policy, Procedure and Practice.
What is Safeguarding?
Safeguarding refers to the measures taken to protect the health, well-being, and
human rights of individuals, particularly children, ensuring they live free from abuse,
neglect, and harm. It encompasses policies, procedures, and practices that promote the
safety and welfare of children in our care.
Risk Assessments
1. Risk of Phone Usage During Class/ Private Lesson Times
Risk: Distraction and potential inappropriate use of phones can lead to accidents or
harm.
Preventative Measures:
- Implement a strict no-phone policy during classes.
- Communicate this policy to parents and students before enrollment.
- Provide designated areas for phone storage during lessons.
Monitoring:
- Staff will remind students of this policy and enforce it consistently.
2. Risk of Inadequate Supervision of Children While in the Hall/Studio
Risk: Lack of supervision can lead to accidents or bullying.
Preventative Measures:
- Maintain a staff-to-student ratio that complies with safeguarding standards.
- Ensure all staff members are trained in child supervision protocols.
Monitoring:
- Conduct regular checks to ensure all ncessary areas are supervised adequately.
3. Risk of Harm Due to Peer-Peer Abuse
Risk: Bullying or other forms of abuse among students can occur.
Preventative Measures:
- Encourage open communication where students and parents can report
concerns.
- Facilitate team-building activities to strengthen peer relationships.
Monitoring:
- Staff will be trained to recognize signs of bullying and intervene appropriately.
4. Risk of Harm to Child if Unsupervised During Collection Time
Risk: Children may be at risk if not collected safely.
Preventative Measures:
- Establish a clear collection policy that requires parents to arrive at designated
collection times.
- Ensure that staff are present during collection times to supervise.
- Communicate collection procedures to parents.
Monitoring:
- Regular communication with parents if collection times are not being adhered to.
5. Risk of Harm to a Child from Staff/Volunteer
Risk: Potential for inappropriate behaviour or abuse by staff/volunteers.
Preventative Measures:
- Conduct background checks on all staff and volunteers.
- Provide safeguarding training that includes recognizing and reporting
inappropriate behaviour.
- Establish a code of conduct for staff and volunteers, outlining acceptable
interactions with students.
Monitoring:
- Regular reviews and updates of staff conduct policies will be conducted.
6. Risk of harm during Group Classes and Private One-on-One Lessons
Risk: Potential for inappropriate behaviour or misunderstandings during lessons.
Preventative Measures:
- Establish a policy that requires parents to wait in a designated area during
private lessons.
- If a parent wishes to observe, they will be limited to a specific area and may only enter during the last five minutes of the private lesson. This will be an opportunity to discuss any necessary topics or concerns to the teacher.
- Ensure that lessons are conducted in a way that maintains privacy and
professionalism.
Monitoring:
- Staff will be trained to manage parental observations and maintain boundaries.
7. Risk of misunderstanding for Physical contact
Dance, as a social, performing, competitive discipline frequently requires physical
touch. During classes and lessons teachers often utilise physical contact to build
understanding of technique, position, posture or movement. Children and young people
have varying levels of comfort with touch and teachers will deal with this issue
sensitively.
To ensure best practice in this area teachers will make sure exercises involving physical
contact are age appropriate. The following guidelines will be adhered to,
- the teacher will consider if the correction or observation can be clarified in a
way that doesn't involve touch
- Children and young people will always be treated with respect and dignity, if
touch is required it will be done in an atmosphere of understanding and
agreement
- Parents/carers will be made aware that physical touch may be necessary to
further understanding for dance technique
- Teachers will endeavour to be sensitive to each individual child/young person, if
a child or young person states that they're uncomfortable with or appear
uncomfortable with touch the teacher will respect that boundary
Monitoring:
- Staff will be trained on how to respect pupils personal boundaries.
Reporting Concerns
All staff and volunteers are required to report any concerns regarding the welfare of
children immediately to the designated safeguarding lead (DSL). Reports can be made
in person or via email.
Age Limitations
At Dance with Aaron and Niamh, the safety and well-being of our pupils are our top
priorities. To ensure a positive and developmentally appropriate experience, we only
allow children aged 4 years and older to participate in our dance classes. This policy is
designed to create a safe and supportive environment where children can learn, grow,
and express themselves through dance. We believe that starting dance classes at the age of 4 allows for better physical, social,
and emotional readiness, ensuring that all participants can engage fully and benefit from our programs.
Review of Policy
This safeguarding policy will be reviewed annually or sooner if significant changes
occur in our operations or legislation.
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By adhering to this safeguarding policy, Dance with Aaron and Niamh Limited aims to
foster a safe, supportive, and an enjoyable environment for all students, in alignment with national safeguarding standards and guidance.